Owner's Manual
IC:P,,nFTSMnN+I
42" Mower
GRASS CATCHER
Model No.
917.249890
CAUTION:
Read and follow all Safety
Rules and Instructions
before operating this
equipment.
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Customer Responsibilities
• Repair Parts
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, II 60179
Visit our Craftsman website:www.sears.com/craftsman
SAFETY RULES
A
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers AI_
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
I. GENERALOPERATION
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual
and on the machine before starting
Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
instructions, to operate the machine.
Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing.
Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
Never carry passengers.
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always
look down and behind before and while backing.
Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point
it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the
entire grass catcher or the guard in place.
Slow down before turning.
Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn
off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove keys
before dismounting.
Turn off blades when not mowing.
Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging
chute.
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
Do not operate the machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.
Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into
a trailer or truck.
Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are
involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related
injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to
operate the riding mower safely enough to protect
themselves and others from serious iniury.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves or other debris build-
up which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts and burn. Do
not allow the mower deck to plow leaves or other debris
which can cause build-up to occur. Clean any oil or fuel
spillage before operating or storing the machine. Allow
machine to cool before storage.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury ordeath.
All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the
slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
DO:
Mow up and down slopes, not across.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine. Taft grass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speed, Choose a low gear so thatyou willnot have
to stop or shift while on the slope.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights to improve stability.
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stability of the machine.
Keep all movement on the slopes s/owand gradual Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope, if tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down
the slope.
DO NOT:
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
Donotmow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. The
mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge
of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding.
Do not try tostabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground.
Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
IlL CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.
Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful
care of another responsible adult.
Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
Before and when backing, look behind and down for small
children.
Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
Never allow children to operate the machine.
Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They
are flammable and vapors are explosive.
Use only an approved container.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not
smoke.
Never refuel the machine indoors.
Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, such as a water heater.
Never run a machine inside a closed area.
Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight
and keep equipment in good condition.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up.
Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.
Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage,
and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow
objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and
replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when
necessary.
Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as
required.
2
SAFETY RULES
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers
Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing.
Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
Never carry passengers or children even with the blades
off.
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always
look down and behind before and while backing.
Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult.
Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
Before and when backing, look behind and down for small
children.
Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not across.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speed. Choose alow gear so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down
the slope.
If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades, shift
into reverse and back down slowly.
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
&
&
&
A
i
Look for this symbol to point out impor-
tant safety precautions. It means CAU-
TION!!! BECOME ALERT!t! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED,
CAUTION: Do not coast down a hill in
neutral, you may lose control of the
tractor.
CAUTION: Tow only the attachments
thatare recommended byand comply
with specifications ofthe manufactu-
rer of your tractor. Use common
sense when towing. Operateonlyat
the lowest possible speed when on a
slope. Too heavy of a load, while on
a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose
traction with the ground and cause
you to lose control of your tractor.
CAUTION: In order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making
repairs, always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug.
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new Grass Catcher. Ithasbeen designed, engineered and manufactured to give
you the best possible dependability and performance.
Should you experience any problems you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service center/
department. They have competent, well trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this unit.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your Grass Catcher properly.
Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
NOTE: To make debris disposal easier 30 gallon plastic trash bags may be inserted in plastic grass containers. To orde r,see
repair parts section of this manual.
SAFETY RULES ........................................................ 2-3
ASSEMBLY ................................................................ 5-8
OPERATION .................................................................. 9
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES .............................. 10
STORAGE ................................................................... 10
WARRANTY ................................................................ 10
REPAIR PARTS ...................................................... 12-13
3
KNOW YOUR GRASS CATCHER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE ASSEMBLING OR OPERATING YOUR GRASS
CATCH ER.Compare the illustrations with the carton contents tofamiliarize yourself with the parts before starting the assembly.
Study the operating instructions and safety precautions thoroughly to insure proper functioning of your Grass Catcher and to
prevent injury to yourself and others. Save this manual for future reference.
The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes,
which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye
shields before starting your tractor and while mowing. We recommend a wide
vision safety mask for over the spectacles or standard safety glasses.
UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS
Remove all parts and packing materials from carton.
• Check carton contents against list. Besureall parts are
there.
CARTON CONTENTS:
(3) ContainerTops
(3) Container Bottoms
(1) UpperChute
(1) LowerChute
(1) Support Assembly
(1) Cover Assembly
(2) Shoulder Bolts
(1) Retainer Spring
PARTS IDENTIFICATION
COVER
ASSEMBLY
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
(t) 9/16" Wrench
SUPPORT
ASSEMBLY
SHOULDER
BOLTS
FULL
BAGGER
INDICATOR
CHUTE LATCH
UPPER CHUTE
GRASS
CATCHER
CONTAINERS
LOWER CHUTE
LOWER CHUTE
ATTACHING
STRAPS
NOTE: When right hand (R.H.) and left hand (L.H.) are mentioned in this manual, it means when you are seated on thetractor,
in the operator's position.
CAUTION: BEFORE ASSEMBLING GRASS CATCHER TO TRACTOR:
• Depress clutch/brake pedal fully and set parking brake.
• Place gearshift/motion control lever in "NEUTRAL" position,
Place attachment clutch in "DISENGAGED" position,
Turn ignition key "OFF" and remove key.
• Make sure the blade and all moving parts have completely stopped.
• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where itcannot come in contact with
plug,
4
1
BAGGER SUPPORT ASSEMBLY
(See Figs. 1A & 1B)
1.
Remove and discard the upper bolt on both sides of the
drawbar. Using the same holes, installthe shoulder bolts
supplied and tighten securely.
REMOVE AND DISCARD
UPPER BOLTS AND INSTALL
SHOULDER BOLTS SUPPLIED
DRAWBAR
FIG. 1A
2. Align support assembly pin with hole in drawbar and
hang assembly over the shoulder bolts.
3. Be sure support assembly isseated properly and secure
with retainer spring supplied.
SHOULDER
BOLTS
SUPPORT"**'_
PIN
FIG. 1B
MOUNTING COVER ASSEMBLY TO
SUPPORT ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 2)
NOTE: For ease of assembly, you may wish to obtain the
assistance of another person for mounting cover assembly
to tractor.
1. Position cover assembly on ground behind tractor as
shown.
2. Lift and rotate cover to align cover brackets with support
assembly tubes.
3. Slide cover assembly down onto the support tubes,
COVER
ASSEMBLY
SUPPORT
• _ ASSEMBLY
5 FIG. 2
CONTAINER ASSEMBLY (See Fig. 3)
1. Place bottom half inside of top half, as shown.
2. Place one foot insidebottom half and lifttop halftomeet
bottom half.
3. Press halves tightlytogether while liftingtop tolockinto
place as shown.
IMPORTANT: BEFORE LOCKING THE TABS, HOOKED
EDGES ON BOTH HALVES MUST OVERLAP TO FORM
SEAL AS SHOWN IN INSET.
4. Repeat for othercontainers.
CONTAINER
BOTTOM
HALF
NER
TOP
CONTAINER
BOTTOM
HALF
PRESS TOGETHER
TO FORM SEAL
WHILE LIFTING
TOP HALF
LOCKING
TAB
ASSEMBLY CHECK: Squeeze sides of lower half of con-
tainer and check that there is no gap between upper and
lower halves. If a gap appears, unlock tabs to separate
container halves and repeat instructions above.
FIG. 3
CONTAINER MOUNTING (See Fig. 4)
1. Install one container to left side first with warning to
outside of unit. Install another container to center
position and one in right position.
NOTE: Right container should always overlap leftcontainer
at center supports.
2. Close cover and lock latch handles over center support
tubes.
COVER LATCH
HANDLES
i,' ,
CONTAINER
WARNING
CENTER
TUBES
CONTAINER
HANDLE
CONTAINER
WARNING
FIG. 4
LOWER CHUTE (See Fig. 5)
No hardware required
1. Lower mower deck to itslowest cutting position.
2. With your right hand, raise and hold deflector shield in
uprightposition.
3. With your left hand, hold lower chute as shown and
positionlower rearedge ofchute between gauge wheel
brackettaband mower housing•Align"B"on lowerchute
extended edge with "B" on mower housing.
4. Withyour righthand, pushfirmly onthe lower chute until
theextended edge slidesunderthe deflector shieldand
along side the hinge bracket as shown.
5. Withchuteinproperposition, holdthechutesecurely, so
itdoes notmove, whilehookingtherear and front latches
to the mower deck.
NOTE: While hooking the latches, the deflector shield may
try to push the chute away from the mower deck opening. It
is important to hold the chute in position while hooking the
latches to the mower deck.
• Ifyour tractor isequipped withgage wheels on the deck,
then it will be necessary to hook the rear latch into the
hole in the R.H. gage wheel bracket.
CAUTION: Do not remove discharge I
guard from mower. Raise and hold guard
I
when attaching lower chute and allow it
to rest on chute while in operation.
OPTIONAL
GAUGE_
WHEEL
AND
BRACKET
LOWER REAR EDGE
BETWEEN GAUGE WHEEL
BRACKET TAB AND
MOWER HOUSING
ALIGN CHUTE"B"
WITH MOWER"B"
\ \ PUSHIN
EXTENDED EDGE "B"
Must be under deflector shield
and along side the hinge bracket
DEFLECTOR SHIELD
HINGE BRACKET
FIG. 5
R.H. GAGE
WHEEL
BRACKET
WITH
GAGE WHEELS
REAR LATCH
DEFLECTOR
SHIELD
WITHOUT
GAGEWHEELS
7
REAR LATCH
FRONT
LATCH
UPPER CHUTE (See Figs. 6A & 6B)
1. Lower mower deck to its lowest cutting position.
2. Assemble upperchute byinsertingcurvedend intohole
in back of cover.
NOTE: Handle carefully so as not to damage full bagger
indicator.
3.
4.
5.
Push in and turn upper chute until it is in line with lower
chute.
Align the bosses on lower chute with alignment slots on
upper chute and slide together.
Secure with rubber latch by hooking hole in latch over
latch pin.
FULL BAGGER
UPPER INDICATOR HANDLE
CHUTE _ _ _2_.
COVER ,_,
LEVEL MOWER DECK
Be sure deck is properly leveled for best mower perfor-
mance. See your tractorsowner's manual for instructions.
FIG. 6A
LOWER
CHUTE
/
ALIGNMENT
LATCH PIN
FIG. 6B
8
TIPS FOR IMPROVED BAGGING OPERATION:
Follow the mower operation instructions in your tractor
owner's manual.
When operating your grass catcher on a lawn where grass
and leaf bagging equipment has not been used, you are
picking up thatch and debris that has accumulated for long
periods of time. The amount collected and the total time of
operation may be greater than you will experience with
regular use of your grass catcher.
Always run throttle at full speed when bagging.
Select a gear low enough to give good mower cutting
performance, good quality cut and good bagging perfor-
mance.
NOTE: It may be necessary to overlap width of cut to suit
your conditions.
• If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice. The
first time relatively high, the second time to desired
height.
Use left hand side of mower for trimming.
• Plastic trash bags can be inserted inside grass catcher
containers for ease of debris disposal. To remove the
plastic trash bags when full:
a. Raise seat. Unlatch and raise cover.
b. Remove one container atatime by grasping contai-
ner handles and pulling toward the rear, off of the
tube rails.
c. With the container resting on the ground, close and
secure the top of the plastic lawn bag.
d. Tip the container on its side and slide the filled bag
from the container.
e. Install a new plastic lawn bag with the edges of the
bag draped over upper lip of the Container (for
replacement bags refer to REPLACEMENT
PARTS).
f. Repeat for other containers.
g. Reinstall containers making sure right container
overlaps left container at center supports.
h. Close cover and secure latches over center support
tubes.
• Avoid cutting wet grass or in the morning while the dew
is still heavy. Grass clippings collected under these
conditions tend to be sticky and adhere to the walls of
the flow path causing clogging,
• Your bagger isequipped with a full bagger indicator. As
the bags become full, movement of the wheel will slow
down and/or stop, indicating that the bags are full or the
chutes have become clogged. Care should betaken not
to damage the parts and that the wheel spins freely atthe
beginning of each use.
• If the grass catcher fails to pick up cut grass or leaves,
it is an indication that clogging has occurred in the
system or that the grass catcher containers are full.
Usually this is indicated by the stopped movement of the
full bagger indicator.
a. Disengage blades, shift into neutral, engage the
parking brake and stop the engine.
- Raise seat. Unlatch and raise cover.
- Slide out containers and dispose of clippings.
- Replace containers, close cover, and latch.
b. Unlatch chutes and check for clogging.
- Remove all debris in chutes.
- Reassemble and latch chutes
c. Checktoinsure full bagger indicator has not become
clogged.
- The air passage hole must be clear of debris.
Gently insert a small twig or wire into passage-
way to clear.
CAUTION
• Do not operate mower with grass catcher
partially installed.
• Disengage blades and stop engine before
leaving tractor seat toempty containers, unclog-
ging chutes, etc.
• Close cover before starting.
• Disengage mower when crossing driveways
or gravel surfaces and other areas where thrown
objects could be a hazard.
• Do not attempt to vacuum up cans or other
potentially hazardous projectiles.
9
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte-
nance.
• Before each use check for loose fasteners.
• Clean unit thoroughly after each use,
BLADE CARE
For best resultsmower blades must be kept sharp, Replace
bent or damaged blades.
• See BLADE CARE instructionsin your tractor owner's
manual.
STORAGE
When grass catcher is to bestored for a period of time, clean
it thoroughly, remove all dirt, grass, leaves, etc. Store in a
clean, dry place.
A
CAUTION: Do not leave grass in bagger
containers. Empty containers after each
use and before storing. Failure to do so
may result in spontaneous combustion
which could develop into a fire.
A
CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY
MAINTENANCE, SERVICE ORADJUST-
MENTS:
• Depress clutch brake pedal fully and set
parking brake.
• Place gearshift/motion control lever in
"NEUTRAL" position.
• Place clutch control in "DISENGAGED"
position.
• Turn ignition key to "OFF" position.
• Make sure blades and all moving parts
have completely stopped.
• Disconnect spark plug wire(s) from spark
plug(s) and place wire where it cannot
come ,n contact with plug.
A
CAUTION: Grass catcher components
are subject to wear, damage and
deterioration, which could expose
moving parts or allow objects to be
thrown. Frequently check components
and replace with manufacturer's
recommended parts, when necessary.
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON
CRAFTSMAN GRASS CATCHER
For one year from the date of purchase, when this grass catcher attachment is maintained according to the operating
and maintenance instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or
workmanship.
This warranty does not cover:
Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as bags or mower blades.
Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including the failure to maintain the equipment
according to instructions contained in the owner's manual.
• Grass catcher attachments used for commercial or rental purposes.
WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN GRASS CATCHER TO THE NEAREST
SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE
THIS PRODUCT IS IN USE IN THE UNITED STATES.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS. 60179
10
NOTES
11
REPAIR PARTS
GRASS CATCHER - - MODEL NUMBER 917.249890
36
37
2O
\
\
\
2
35
2O
31
31
31
12
9
26
18
16
6
7
22
10
15
REPAIR PARTS
GRASS CATCHER - - MODEL NUMBER 917.249890
¢o
KEY PART
NO. NO.
2 69180
3 127533
4 139906
5 126840
6 18021008
7 130933
8 87175
9 19061216
10 7206J
11 STD541810
12 STD551110
13 109808X
14 2029J
15 130760
16 130759
18 162803
20 71161010
21 132796
22 140809
KEY PART
DESCRIPTION NO. NO.
Nut, Crownlock#10-24 23 132983
Screen, Cover 26 4939M
Cover 28 179534
Chute, Upper 29 176997
Screw, Special #10-14xl/2 30 165898
Full Bagger Indicator 31 174083
Screw, #10-24 x 1-1/8 32 176990
Washer 3/16x3/4x16 Ga. 33 128600
Spacer, Split 34 127534
Nut, Acorn #10-24 35 129584
Washer, lock #10 36 129586
Latch, Chute 37 134637
Nut, Weld 38 130895
Latch, Hook 39 155857X500
Rubber, Latch 40 71141008
Chute, Lower 46 74760536
Screw #10-24 x 5/8 Truss Head -- 104419X
Spring, Cover L.H. (black)
Spacer, Cover -- 178269
DESCRIPTION
Spring, Cover R.H. (gray)
Spring, Retainer
Support Assembly
Shoulder Bolt
Spring, Retainer
Plug, Tubing End
Bagger, Frame
Pin, Hinge
Gasket, Cover
Container, Top
Container, Bottom
Seal, Cover
Latch Handle, Cover
Strip, Reinforcement
Screw #10-24 x 1/2
Bolt, Hex 5/16-18 x 2-1/4
Bag, 3.0 mil. 30 Gallon
Trash (not included with bagger)
Owner's Manual
NOTES
14
NOTES
15
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178269 Rev. 3 08.06.01 rad Printed in U.S.A.
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